The issue: Windows 11 RDP not working

Remote Desktop is a Windows built-in feature that provides us a way to connect a PC remotely and is useful for our work or remote assistance. However, we may come across various problems with Remote Desktop (RDP) when we try to connect to a server, such as the Remote Desktop Services has ended or RDP can’t connect to the remote computer as in the following picture.

According to the reasons shown in the picture, the reasons for error occurs are because the Remote Desktop is not enabled, the remote computer is turned off, and the network issue. Before the concrete steps to fix the issue "Windows 11 RDP not working", make sure the Network is accessible and the remote PC is turned on. Then, let’s solve the problem together.

Pre-check for Windows 11 RDP not working

Before diving into complex settings, ensure these three conditions are met:

• Check Windows Edition: Remote Desktop only works as a host on Windows 11 Pro or Enterprise. If the PC you want to connect to is running Windows 11 Home, RDP is natively disabled.
• Power Settings: The remote PC must be powered on and prevented from entering Sleep or Hibernate mode.
• Network Connection: Ensure both devices are on the same network, or you have a functional VPN/Port Forwarding setup for over-the-internet connections.

As a matter of fact, apart from the reasons mentioned above, the issue "Windows 11 Remote Desktop not working" also can be caused by the firewall blocks, services, or the changed credentials. There are 6 solutions for the issue, and you can choose a potentially possible one to help you out of the problem.

5 standard fixes to Windows 11 RDP not working

Solution 1. Enable RDP & Adjust NLA Settings

Windows disables RDP by default for security. Furthermore, NLA is a security layer that requires the user to be authenticated before a connection is established. While safer, it frequently causes "Credentials did not work" errors due to domain or account sync issues.

Step 1. Press Win + I to open Settings, and then find “Remote Desktop” on the right pane.

Step 2. Double-click on Remote Desktop and then tick the button to enable the RDP.

Step 3. Click the small dropdown arrow next to the toggle.

Step 4. Uncheck the box: "Require devices to use Network Level Authentication to connect."

Step 5. Click on Remote Desktop Users to verify that your user account has permission to connect.

Solution 2. Change network profile to "Private"

Windows categorizes networks as "Public" or "Private." On a Public network (like a coffee shop), Windows Firewall blocks all incoming RDP requests by default. Changing it to Private tells Windows you trust the devices on this network.

Steps:

Step 1. Open Settings on the Host PC.

Step 2. Navigate to Network & internet.

Step 3. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet (whichever you are currently using).

Step 4. Under Network profile type, select Private.

Step 5. Restart the Remote Desktop app on your local computer and try connecting again.

Solution 3. Verify Remote Desktop Services

If the background services aren't running, RDP cannot listen for requests.

Step 1. Press Win + R and then input services.msc to open the Services.

Step 2. Scroll down and locate “Remote Desktop Services”, and double-click on it.

Step 3. Locate Startup type, choose “Automatic” and then click on “OK”.

Solution 4. Turn on Network Discovery

Step 1. Search control and panel in the search box.

Step 2. Choose a category and then click on “Network and Internet”.

Step 3. Select Network and Sharing Centre, then click on “Change Advanced sharing settings”.

Step 4. Choose “Turn on network discovery” and then click on Save changes.

Solution 5. Add the host PC’s IP address

Step 1. Click on the File Explorer on the bottom line and then open the file in C: /Windows/ System32/ Drivers/etc and then find hosts. Click on hosts and right-click, choose “Open with”.  

Step 2. Choose Notepad and click on “OK”.

Step 3. Type the IP address of the host computer and then click on “File” or “Save”.

2 advanced fixes to Windows 11 Remote Desktop not working

Solution 1. Disable UDP via Registry

A known bug in Windows 11 (especially version 22H2 and later) causes RDP to hang or fail due to UDP protocol issues. Disabling UDP forces RDP to use stable TCP.

Step 1. Press Win + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.

Step 2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows NT\Terminal Services\Client

Step 3. Right-click on the right pane, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it fClientDisableUDP.

Step 4. Set its Value data to 1.

Solution 2. Configure Windows Firewall Inbound Rules

Sometimes, even if RDP is enabled, the specific "Inbound Rule" that allows traffic through port 3389 (the RDP port) is disabled by third-party antivirus software or system updates.

Step 1. Search Windows Defender Firewall in the search box.

Step 3. Click on “Allow an app or feature through Windows Firewall" and then select Change Settings.

Step 4. Scroll down and locate “Remote Desktop”, ensure the box on the left is checked, and both the Private and Public columns are checked, and then click on OK.

Tired of troubleshooting? Try AnyViewer — Best zero-config RDP alternative

While the steps above solve most Windows 11 RDP issues, they can be time-consuming, technical, and sometimes restricted by your network or Windows edition.

If you find these system settings too complex, or if you are still facing connection failures due to lack of a Public IP or Windows Home Edition limitations, it’s time to switch to the free remote desktop software AnyViewer.

Why choose AnyViewer over standard RDP?

AnyViewer is designed to eliminate the technical hurdles of remote access. It provides a seamless experience without the need for the manual configuration mentioned above:

• Works on All Windows Editions: Unlike RDP, AnyViewer fully supports Windows 11/10 Home Edition—no upgrades or hacks required.
• No Port Forwarding or VPNs: Access your office or home PC from anywhere in the world without configuring routers, setting up static IPs, or worrying about firewall inbound rules.
• One-Click Connectivity: Forget Registry edits and NLA settings. With AnyViewer, you can achieve a stable, high-speed remote connection with just one click.
• Bank-Level Security: Protected by ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography) encryption, ensuring your data remains safe without the vulnerabilities often associated with open RDP ports.

Get connected in 3 simple steps

Step 1. Download & Install: Put AnyViewer on both your local and remote computers.

Step 2. Sign Up: Create a free account and log in on both devices.

Step 3. One-Click Control: Go to "Device," select your target PC, and click "One-click control" to start your session instantly.

✍ Upgrade to an advanced plan today to bypass limitations and enjoy a more powerful remote desktop experience:

Expanded Management: Assign more devices to a single account for seamless, one-click unattended access.

Greater Capacity: Increase simultaneous connection channels and control multiple remote devices at once.

Enhanced Privacy: Secure your work with Privacy Mode—instantly black out the remote screen and disable the remote keyboard/mouse.

High-Speed Transfers: Experience significantly faster file transfers with support for larger file sizes.

Premium Visuals: Enjoy crystal-clear, high-image quality for a "locally present" feel.

Conclusion

Troubleshooting Windows 11 RDP not working can be a tedious process, ranging from adjusting firewall rules to editing the registry. While the steps above resolve most local connection issues, they often fall short for users on Windows Home or those without a public IP. For a faster, more reliable experience that works across all networks and Windows editions, AnyViewer remains the most efficient one-click RDP alternative to keep you connected without the configuration headache.